FUR-BEARERS. 95 



diWng with great dexterity. Of all the rodents he is the 

 largest, his body exceeding three feet in length, and its 

 girth being such that when he walks his abdomen nearly 

 touches the ground. 



In Central America abounds the Coypu, the fur of which 

 is largely imported into Europe, where it has almost 

 entirely superseded that of the beaver. Its colour is a 

 light reddish brown. The coypu might easily be mistaken 

 for the beaver, were it not for its long and rounded tail. 

 It swims " like a fish," and is as much at home in salt as 

 in fresh water, excavating its burrow on the banks of 

 streams or on the shores of ocean-creeks wdth equal indif- 

 ference. It is very active and lively, and can be easily 

 tamed. "VVe have seen one in the possession of Dr. 

 Paterson, of Bridge of Allan, which knew its master's 

 voice, and issued from its retreat at his call. It seems 

 to be partial to washing every article that falls within its 

 reach. 



In the Andes of Peru, Bolivia, and Chili, in the elevated 

 districts, and even at a height of 15,000 feet above the 

 sea, is found the beautiful and valuable Chinchilla, whose 

 fur forms so important a commercial staple. 



It is a burrowing animal, excavating its underground 

 domicile in the mountain-valleys, where its thick silky 

 coat protects it from the cold. In appearance it is much 

 like a rabbit with a squirrel's tail. In disposition it is 

 mild and gentle, and it lives with its kind on the most 

 amicable terms. 



